Why I Chose Backun
“I chose the Backun Q grenadilla bass for a few different reasons, but most importantly was the excellent intonation across all the registers. I have tried many bass clarinets but only on the Backun Q could I so effortlessly play in tune across the whole instrument range. There is so much innovation that has gone into this clarinet to make this happen and I am so impressed with the craftsmanship. The resonance on the instrument is beautiful and this makes it such a comfortable instrument to play, because I can focus on making music rather than having to worry about keeping a stable sound. It is such a pleasure to play.”
About
Luna Takai is an accomplished clarinet and bass clarinet artist based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from Yokohama, Japan, she completed her formal training at the prestigious Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, where she studied under renowned clarinetist Yoshinobu Kamei.
Now an active orchestral musician in Australia, Luna performs with the Orchestra of Opera Australia in Sydney. Her orchestral experience spans the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, including appearances with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, and the Toho Gakuen Orchestra. Known for her versatility on both clarinet and bass clarinet, she brings a refined orchestral voice and expressive musicianship to a wide range of repertoire.
In 2023, Luna was selected as a fellow of the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland, USA, where she studied and performed under the guidance of leading international artists including Ricardo Morales, Yehuda Gilad, Victoria Luperi, and Michael Wayne. The program brought together emerging orchestral musicians from around the world for intensive orchestral training and performance.
Beyond the concert stage, Luna is committed to using music as a tool for connection and community. Through her volunteer work with the Music Explorer Concert Project, she performed for children and families affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, helping bring moments of comfort and joy through live music.
With a growing international profile as both a clarinet and bass clarinet specialist, Luna continues to build a dynamic career as a collaborative orchestral performer and artist dedicated to sharing the expressive power of the clarinet family.
